Cotoneaster adpressus Praecox

Early Creeping Cotoneaster

Botanical name: Cotoneaster adpressus ‘Praecox’

Overview
A vigorous, spreading cotoneaster valued for its low-growing habit, early flowering, and abundant red berries. Small glossy green leaves create a dense groundcover through the growing season, turning bright red to burgundy in fall. Pink-tinged white flowers appear in late spring, followed by showy red berries that persist into winter, adding strong seasonal interest.

Size



Width: 5–8 ft



Height: 1–2 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4a–7b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun



Soil



Well-drained soils; adaptable to sandy, loamy, or rocky soils



Tolerates slightly alkaline to neutral pH



Avoid poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (berries)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Tolerates drought once established



Excellent for slopes, rock gardens, and cascading over walls



Notes



Shape: Low, spreading groundcover with arching branches



More vigorous and wider spreading than ‘Tom Thumb’



Excellent erosion control plant



Minimal pruning required; trim lightly to shape if needed



Deer generally resistant

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

1-2'

Width

5-8'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Part shade

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Ground Cover, Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No